How to Move Quickly
Two months is considered the ideal timeframe for a move. It allows you to relocate at your own pace, with minimal stress. However, life often has other plans. Instead of two months, sometimes you have only a few weeks to get everything ready. Relocating in such a short amount of time is understandably stressful, but with a solid plan and focused effort, it can be done. To help make the process as efficient as possible, here are our tips on how to move quickly.
Create a Checklist
The first step in any move is to write down the tasks you need to complete before moving day. Assign each one a date, to avoid last minute stress. Because you have a limited amount of time, make sure you prioritize the essentials, such as scheduling, logistics, and packing, which takes the most amount of time. Because you don’t have much leeway, you’ll need to draw up a strict packing schedule. Start by:
- Inventorying each room in your house
- Estimating how much time it will take to organize its contents
- Adding each one to the schedule, leaving large rooms for weekends and tackling small rooms after work
- Working on at least one room every day
Start with the areas you use least and finish with the ones you use most often. Leave bedrooms and bathrooms for last, for your own comfort. Having someplace to sleep and take a shower will help you recharge at the end of the day.
Develop a Budget
Knowing how much you can afford to spend helps you decide the best way to handle your relocation. You’ll need to account for everything from storage to professional packing, in order to determine what services fit your budget. In some cases, you might be able to hire a full-service moving team to handle everything for you. Other times you’ll have to pick and choose, relying on professionals for some tasks (like transportation) while tackling the rest yourself.
Contact Moving Companies
In most cases, you’ll probably need help transporting your belongings, especially if you’re traveling cross country. Once you’ve finalized your budget, reach out to at least three moving companies, to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Keep in mind that booking movers on short notice isn’t always easy. Demand for moving services is highest May-August and as a result, movers are normally scheduled weeks in advance. While it’s still possible to find qualified help, you'll have to be flexible regarding dates and times. On the other hand, if you’re relocating in September-April, you’ll have a lot more options. You may even be able to negotiate a better rate!
Notify Important Parties Right Away
Contact your bank, post office, family members, insurance company, credit card companies, and subscription services and give them your new address. Call the utility providers in your new area and make sure the water, power, gas, and internet are all connected before you arrive. Afterwards, reach out to your current providers and ask them to cancel your service the day after you leave, to avoid unnecessary payments.
Gather Moving Supplies
Once you’ve booked your movers, purchasing boxes and packing materials is the next step. Buy in bulk to avoid multiple trips to the store. You’ll need:
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Packing peanuts
- Bubble wrap
- Moving blankets
- Stretch wrap
- Garbage bags
To stretch your budget, ship your clothes in suitcases instead of boxes. Pack soft items in trash bags. Instead of emptying your dresser drawers, slide them out and cover the top with a layer of stretch wrap. Dresser drawers are easy to carry and stack. When you get to your new home, all you need to do is slide them back in!
Declutter
Shipping costs are determined by weight and volume. The less you bring, the less it costs you, so only pack items you need and cherish. Books you haven’t read, clothes you haven’t worn, and gadgets you haven’t used in at least a year should be left behind.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they should be thrown out. Consider donating them to charity. Or giving them to your family and friends. There are also online communities, such as Next Door, Freecycle, and Trash Nothing, where you can give away unwanted items to people in your neighborhood.
Focus on Proper Packing Techniques
Even when moving quickly, you always want to transport your belongings as safely as possible. Professional movers are a great option when relocating under a tight deadline. They not only provide packing supplies, they also know how to wrap and ship fragile items. If you’d prefer the DIY approach, protect your belongings by adhering to the following guidelines.
- Cushion each box by spreading a layer of packing paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap along the bottom
- To prevent overloading, use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter ones
- Keep items from shifting by filling empty space with packing paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap
- Seal the bottom with two strips of packing tape, for extra strength
- Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually and placing them in their own box, separate from heavy items
- Add a final layer of packing paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap to the top of the box, for extra protection
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pad your boxes with rags, socks, and towels. Old sweaters and sweatshirts work as well, though they don’t provide the same protection as professional packing materials. Normally, experts recommend keeping similar items together in the same box (toys, books, kitchen utensils, etc.). While it’s a good principle, it’s not always practical when moving quickly. If you can save time by mixing items, go ahead. Just make sure you list the contents on the side of the box, to make sure you can find everything when you unpack.
Ask for Help
Boxing up an entire household in 2-3 weeks is a formidable task, even if your home is relatively small. Recruiting family and friends saves time and lightens the load. Regardless of whether they can only lend a hand for one or two days, their assistance will help keep everything running smoothly.
Keep Important Documents Handy
Moving quickly increases the risk of miscommunication or misunderstandings. The best way to clear them up is to store your documents (rental agreements, moving quotes, parking permits, etc.) together in one place, like a binder. That way, if there’s a question, you can pull out the necessary form. If you’re paperless, download the documents onto your smartphone, so you can access them whenever they’re needed.
Research Parking
Most communities have strict rules regarding commercial vehicles. They’re not allowed to park in certain areas or operate outside certain designated windows (8 a.m. - 4 p.m., for example). Apartment buildings normally ask residents to park moving trucks in the loading dock. To prevent congestion, most landlords require you to reserve it in advance.
If you're planning to park the truck on the street, you’ll need to apply for a permit in some neighborhoods and communities. Police have no problem ticketing vehicles in restricted zones and in many cases, you may be liable for those costs. On a few occasions, they’ve actually impounded moving vehicles with household goods still inside!
Final Thoughts
Moving quickly can be difficult, but it can also be done safely and on a budget. Organization is key. It turns a hectic scramble into a smooth, orderly transition. Focus on the essentials, stick to your timeline, and make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Remember that every task you cross off the checklist brings you one step closer to your new home.
America’s Trusted Full-Service Movers
North American Van Lines has been helping people move since 1933. No matter how far you’re going, we have the tools, training, and resources to get you there safely. We’re here for you, whether you’re moving in two weeks or two months, with services tailored to your needs, budget, and schedule. Make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!
